Steve Walsh To Leave Kansas

Steve Walsh, the lead singer of Kansas, has quit the band. The band made the news public earlier this afternoon (July 2).

On their Facebook page, the following statement was posted. "On June 30, 2014, Steve Walsh informed the members of Kansas that he is resigning from the band. His last performance with Kansas will be August 16, 2014, in Sioux City, Iowa, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. As Kansas continues on, the band wishes Steve only the best in his future endeavors, and thanks him for the 41 years."

Walsh, who recently turned 63, joined the group in 1972 when they were known as White Clover. A year later, they signed with Don Kirshner and changed their name to Kansas. After a string of hit singles -- most notably 'Carry On Wayward Son,' 'Point of Know Return' and the Top 10 'Dust in the Wind' -- and platinum albums, Walsh left in 1981, with the band officially breaking up in 1984.

Two years later, Walsh and original drummer Phil Ehart reformed the band, with three new members, including Steve Morse of the Dixie Dregs coming in on lead guitar. The first album with this new lineup, 'Power,' featured the Top 20 hit 'All I Wanted.' His most recent release with the band was 2009's live 'There's Know Place Like Home.'

Last year, the original lineup of Kansas reunited for a one-time only 40th anniversary concert in Pittsburgh. The show's first half featured the band backed by a 35-piece orchestra.